It’s no mistake and it should not come as a surprise that those who are assertive in life and at the workplace achieve better results and greater career prospects. Many times though, we are afraid to ask for what we need, feeling we are being too pushy or rude to others. Today’s business environment requires that we have the flexibility to step up to those challenges we are dealt with to win. Assertive behaviour is a necessity.

Assertiveness means the ability to stand up for oneself. It means feeling able to express your thoughts, feelings and beliefs in a direct and honest way and also being able to respond in an appropriate way to people who do not agree with you. Being assertive does not mean that we do not respect and take into account other’s thoughts and feelings.

How many times have you wanted to express yourself more clearly but felt you could not. In today’s workplace, assertiveness is one of the most effective communication methods for building better relationships and conveying your thoughts and feelings. That’s because a relationship built on assertiveness is usually one based on mutual trust and mutual respect.

There are many benefits of assertive communication skills such as; better time management, increased ability to manage staff and customers; increased self-esteem and the ability to negotiate more effectively. Powerful, assertive communication skills yield better relationships, increase productivity, improve team involvement and decrease tension. No one wins when issues are ignored or tensions amongst people are left to build up.

Assertiveness skills help you to improve and enhance your communication with others in order to achieve greater personal and professional productivity. Assertiveness skills provides you with tactics to build courage and manage difficult, demanding and aggressive behaviours. It develops your confidence and self-esteem so that your opinions no longer go unnoticed in the workplace.